India Stack
Topic: Transparency, Accountability and e-Governance · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
India Stack is a set of layers of open APIs. An API is a ready-made software link that lets one system connect to another. These layers let services be delivered without being present in person, without paper and without cash. The layers are:
- Identity: Aadhaar, e-KYC (verifying who you are online) and eSign.
- Payments: UPI (2016).
- Data: DigiLocker and Account Aggregators, which let people share their data with consent.
Both government and private firms build services on top of these layers.
Example
A person can prove their identity through Aadhaar e-KYC, sign a form with eSign and pay through UPI, all from a phone and without visiting an office.
Don't confuse with
- Digital public infrastructure (DPI): the wider idea of shared, open digital platforms built as public goods. The G20 New Delhi Declaration (2023) adopted a framework for it. India Stack is India's own set of such platforms.
Related concepts
- Aadhaar
- Unique Identification Authority of India
- Aadhaar case
- Direct Benefit Transfer
- JAM trinity
- Digital public infrastructure